Eliminate “Estimate” and “Bid” from Your Vocabulary
I really do not like the word “estimate”, or even worse bid. Estimate implies inexactness. It may be higher, it may be lower. A project consultation, energy audit or design analysis implies much more detail and precision. Bid implies that you are competing for the project.
Instead of offering a “free estimate” offer an in-home consultation. Explain that this is much more than a bid or free estimate. They receive a detailed evaluation of their project that includes:
- Detailed discussion of project goals and ideas. What are the three most important concerns or objectives for this project?
- Evaluation of home. Is site suitable for the proposed project? Evaluate feasibility, design considerations.
- Exact material lists and job proposal. (optional: plans or designs)
- Offer exact written quote for project, including scheduling, materials, products, etc.
If you are an HVAC contractor, or sell replacement windows, offer a “Energy Audit”, instead of a “Free Estimate”. You can show the homeowner all the energy wasting areas in their home, including the uninsulated window openings, door cracks, etc. Many of these areas are small, simple and inexpensive to fix.
